Can't Stop

The recording

Frusciante recorded his parts for "Can't Stop" during the By the Way sessions (2001-2002) with producer Rick Rubin. He tracked the rhythm guitar directly into a vintage Marshall Plexi using a 1970s Fender Telecaster, a CE-1 preamp for clean boost and subtle chorus, and a Big Muff Pi for the solo’s fuzz, while a secondary 1987 Marshall Silver Jubilee head was blended for the lead sections. The guitar sits prominently in the mix, cutting through the funk groove with a bright bridge‑pickup tone and layered amp textures.

Tuning Standard (E A D G B E)

Original gear

1970s Fender Telecaster

Guitar

Frusciante recorded the main riff and verses of 'Can't Stop' on his vintage 1970s Fender Telecaster, using the bridge pickup for a bright, cutting tone.

Electro-Harmonix CE-1 Preamp

Preamp / Chorus

He routed the signal through an Electro-Harmonix CE‑1 preamp, adding a clean boost and subtle chorus shimmer that defines the rhythm tone.

Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi

Fuzz

The solo’s aggressive fuzz was produced by an Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi, delivering thick sustain and saturated edge.

Marshall 1959 Super Lead (Plexi)

Amp

The core tone was driven by a 1959 Marshall Super Lead 'Plexi' head, set to a clean yet punchy level that provides the song’s tight low‑end and mid‑range bite.

1987 Marshall Silver Jubilee

Amp

A second 1987 Marshall Silver Jubilee head was blended for the lead sections, adding a higher‑gain edge and tighter low‑end that shapes the solo’s bite.

Alternatives

Practical playing approach

Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.

1. 1.Set the guitar volume knob to full for maximum brightness
2. 2.Select the bridge pickup and attack with a tight, percussive pick
3. 3.Apply light palm‑muting on the downstrokes of the main riff
4. 4.Add subtle vibrato on the solo notes for expressive sustain
5. 5.Angle the pick slightly toward the bridge to emphasize the Telecaster’s twang